Friday 20 March 2009

Crafted @ The Oriel Myrddin Gallery 4 April - 16 May

A new exhibition and more new work. I have been very busy thes past few weeks creating new work for the Crafted exhibition. The Private view is Saturday 4 April @ 2pm and everyone is welcome. Here's a bit about the show;

"Crafted is an exhibition celebrating the materials, processes and techniques involved in the making of extraordinary objects, often using traditional methods to acheive a subversive result. Each maker is fascinated by the physical outcomes that transform their material, however mundane or workaday, into something remarkable. Whether through technology, inventiveness, virtuosity; or the rhythms and repetitions of making, or the investment of time and diligence, these objects are captivating. They express a new mood of exchange, between contemporary craft, art and design."

I will be showing along side artists which include Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak, Thomas Forsyth and Moon Young Shin.

And here's a little sneaky peek of whats I'm going to have on show.........

No photos of the actual piece just yet.....you are going to have to come see the show for that. This piece does differ those I have done before due to the fact that some of the pinning and threading will be done on site......

Some of my smaller work will also be available form the gallery shop.

Exhibition runs from the 4 April - 16 May in the Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen.

Open Mon-Sat 10-5

On a different note, I'd also like to thank everyone who was able to make to the artist's talk for the Material Evidence exhibition last Saturday. The turn out was fantastic and it was great to meet and chat with all the other exhibiting artists. It being my first talk, I was incredibly nervous and thank you to everyone for being so supportive. I'd also like to say a big thank you to Jo Hall and Louise Hesketh for their continued help and support from start to finish. It was a pleasure to work with them.

Hopefully see you all at the Crafted Private View in The Oriel Myrddin Gallery on the 4 April at 2pm

Saturday 7 March 2009

Material Evidence @ The Brindley, Runcorn 21 Feb-11 April



"The exhibition Material Evidence brings together four artists-Clare Lane, Laura McCafferty and recent graduates Debbie Smyth and Caroline Kirton- whose work reflects the importance of making and materials in contemporary art. They represent a new wave of artists and makers with a fresh take on the boundaries between art and craft. By exploring a range of processes, each artist reveals an affinity for working with the physicality of the textile medium in a fresh and exciting way." - Jo Hall, Exhibition curator.


Commonplace industrial structures, architectural forms and bridges have always been a big source of inspiration for me and the Runcorn Widnes Bridge was no exception. Its dramatic scale, the repetitive nature of its structure and its intricacy all simultaneously intrigued me. However it wasn’t until I began to explore the bridge from all angles and view points that it’s captivating and bewildering perspective had me in awe. This matrix of steel rods seemed to funnel and disperse with the arch of the bridge giving it an air of illusiveness. By combining it’s complexity with my simple materials I feel I have captured its eye tricking nature.


One of my initial sketches for the Jubilee Bridge installation (above)

A lovely shot of me installing the Jubilee Bridge, 19/02/09 (above)



And a couple of shots of the final installation (above)

Running on from my pylon series, the bridge was an interesting addition to my pin and thread landscape. However unlike my pylons which I saw as floating linear structures, this bridge had a location; surroundings full of stories. It is the inclusion of these stories, which fundamentally is the less recognized beauty of Runcorn, which brings my piece to life.


The exhibition has had some good press coverage which include
Liverpool Daily Post, AN Magazine and The Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News


There will be a discussion at 1pm on 14th March about the work, with all four artists and the exhibition curator Jo Hall. Admission is free.

The exhibition is Supported by Arts Council England.


Some of my smaller work will also be on show, see below



And finally a general overview of the gallery, see below,


Just a little glimpse of whats on offer, all you have to do now is go and see it.

I'm in Tangible......



Tangible- High Touch Visuals is a new book out which explores the blurred borders of graphic design, illustration, art, interior design, architecture and craftsmanship. Following in the footsteps of Hidden Track (2005) and Tactile (2007), Tangible presents further developments from the work of young designers and artists who are experimenting with this multidisciplinary approach and creating outstanding original “tangible” designs.

The cover (above) and my page (right)

For more information about the book visit

The Designers Review of Books &

Gestalten

Gestalten.tv also has a video interview with Julien Vallée who created the cover and chapter plates for the book.

Or even better if you would like to purchase this lovely book visit Amazon

I may be a tad biassed but it trully is an inspirational book. It's predessor Tactile proved to be an indispensable tool during the research for my final year project. I advise anyone who loves to rebel against the digitally dominant age we live in and get there hands stuck into the make and do side of a project, that this is the book for you.

Enjoy!!